MUMC+ studies new treatment option for pancreatic cancer
Researchers at Maastricht UMC+ will study whether a new combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy leads to a better treatment option for pancreatic cancer. The study has been made possible by an annual contribution from the Jacques and Ellen Scheuten Foundation.
The foundation will transfer €200,000 a year for this purpose for a total of 5 years.
Aggressive cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive type of cancer, which is only detected late, when metastases are also already present. Only 1 in 5 patients with the diagnosis is eligible for surgery. In the other patients, efforts are made to inhibit the disease and reduce symptoms.
New therapy
Medical oncologist Judith de Vos-Geelen of the MUMC+, principal investigator: "The aim of the new therapy is to keep the quality of life good for as long as possible by inhibiting cancer-related symptoms and prolonging patients' survival."
Man lost
Ellen Scheuten-Spillekom of the foundation lost her husband Jacques to the disease. "Creating customised chemo for patients like my husband so they can live with quality for a longer time really appeals to me. I won't get him back with it, but I like to dedicate myself with our fund to the group of people who get this diagnosis every day."
v.l.n.r. Judith Doomen-Dormans, onderzoeksschool GROW, Hay Thissen, Ellen Scheuten-Spillekom en Joep van de Voort, alle drie van de Jacques en Ellen Scheuten Foundation, Bernique Tool, Maag Lever Darm Stichting.
Photo: © MUMC+
From left to right: Judith Doomen-Dormans from GROW research school; Hay Thissen, Ellen Scheuten-Spillekom and Joep van de Voort from Jacques en Ellen Scheuten Foundation and Bernique Tool from Maag Lever Darm Stichting (stomach liver intestine foundation).
